Even as debate continues as to whether Islamic enforcement officers should be armed while on duty, it has surfaced that, in Terengganu, they already carry guns.

“Enforcement officers in Terengganu are equipped with guns as a safety measure. I hope all states can streamline this so (the officers) can have self-defence tools,” state executive councillor Ghazali Taib is reportedl as saying.

Ghazali is quoted by Sinar Harian as saying so, when asked about the fatal shooting of a Pahang Islamic Affairs Department (Jaip) enforcement head last week.

NONEHowever, it is not clear whether they were equipped with guns after the incident or if it is an state existing policy.

The Pahang killing led Jamil Khir Baharom (left), the minister in charge of Islamic affairs, to suggest that all religious enforcement officers carry guns in the course of duty.

Ghazali proposed that all enforcement officers should also reside in guarded quarters, which are patrolled by police.

Sinar Harian also quoted an unnamed Selangor Islamic Affairs Department (Jais) spokesperson as saying that Jais was open to the suggestion that enforcement officers be armed.

“If they have guns, at least they will feel safer in performing their duties. Even their families face all sort of threats,” the officer is quoted as saying.

The daily reported that religious enforcement personnel in various states have complained about receiving “constant threats” to their safety.